Sob story first: after finally getting my '53 Poncho to my home, and having believed the ol' codger who sold me my pride and joy, i'm getting used to the idea that the flat head 6 that "turned over/ran last summer on a jerry can of gas" is in need of some serious un-sticking. I've followed the first few steps of the terrific article by racerrick (http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=77566), to no avail. i can't crank her over even with a breaker bar after 2 complete fillings with diesel. so the motor, she's seized but good. not gonna be an easy/fast/cheap fix to get her running. (unless i'm missing something?) and i've always intended to put a pontiac v8 in her anyhow, because a 3600 lb car ain't a hot rod without one. so after perusing another great read here on the hamb (http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/s...4124&showall=1), let's just say my mind is blown (too bad not my motor...), and i'm left with the simple, starting question: what will it take to get a 389 into my '53? everything seems to be geared at '55 and newer... searching '53 and 1953 on that thread brings up nada. is the 389 the 'easiest' swap to do for my vintage? is there another pontiac motor that will have an easier time mating to my hydroglide (to be replaced with a 4 speed manual, whatever i can get my hands on) and/or existing motor mounts? is there any (performance) pontiac v8 that will simply bolt-in to what i have (mounts, ******) currently? she wants to be a sleeper who breathes 360+ hp. I've read there's a million ways to get there, just looking for a little guidance to get there efficiently and elegantly. while breathing fire. thanks! Tagg
Tagg The 389 isn't going to be any harder than any other engine swap. You may consider an early rocket for ease of insertion. It is not going to be a bolt I but it should slip in there pretty easily.
I have no personal experience with this swap but it seems like a mid to late 50's V8 Pontiac V8 with it's stock Hydramatic transmission (same as '53-54?) might just slide right in onto your existing trans. mount. It shouldn't be hard to fab up some motor mounts and you could even use your column mounted shifter if your original was an automatic. You could likely buy a good runner with good trans. for ~$400-500(?). Even an older '55-56 Pontiac V8 should move that '53 smartly. Speed equip. is available too at reasonable prices on Egay.
The Pontiac V8s made before 1960 are supposed to have the same motor mounts as the early 50s inline engines. This is what I've heard.
thanks for the advice, all. there's a complete '62 389 for sale locally, i'll see what i can talk him into =] Tagg
62 389 could have either Slim Jim or Super Hydro.....depends on the model Slim Jim.......Catalina, Ventura, GP Super Hydro......Bonneville, Starchief Big diff in transmissions
61-63 have the same trans pattern as any of the newer BOP transmissions, they just don't have a starter mount on the block. Butler Performance sells a starter mount plate that will allow the use of a th 350/400 for under $300, cheaper than an adapter kit from Wilcap or Bentsens. Building side mounts would probably be the best way .
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